<p>International developer&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/spg-land">SPG Land</a> is preparing to re-launch its long-awaited $1.5 billion <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/paradiso-place-surfers-paradise-103-ferny-avenue-surfers-paradise-qld-4217">Paradiso Place</a> development at Budds Beach, bringing a new price point to the Surfers Paradise apartment market.</p>

<p>The developer will release one-bedroom apartments from $825,000 and two-bedroom apartments from $1.24 million in the three-tower development.</p>

<p>According to Urbis, the starting price for the two-bedroom apartments is more than $400,000 below the weighted average sale price for comparable two-bedroom apartments in Surfers Paradise during 2025, which was pinned at $1.7 million.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Urbis reported quarterly average sale prices for new two-bedroom, two-bathroom apartments ranged from around $1.2 million to $1.7 million throughout 2025, peaking in the December quarter.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=106566 project_image_fid=185853]</p>

<p>Paradiso Place is now moving into its formal sales campaign, with a limited early-release opportunity available ahead of the public launch.</p>

<p>The development will comprise 845 apartments across three towers rising 40, 41 and 44 storeys from a 1.15-hectare site spanning an entire city block. The towers will sit above a new retail precinct.</p>

<p>"Paradiso Place represents a rare opportunity in today's market, offering premium apartments at a price point that is significantly more competitive than anything else currently available," SPG Land Sales Director Brad McMahon said.</p>

<p>"When you look at comparable new developments across Surfers Paradise, Main Beach and the Southern Beaches precinct, buyers are typically paying hundreds of thousands more for a similar product.</p>

<p>"The scale of this project and the developer-builder construction model allows us to unlock efficiencies that smaller developments simply cannot achieve. We are passing those benefits directly to buyers, while still delivering a five-star residential experience with an unmatched lifestyle."</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=106566 project_image_fid=374280]</p>

<p>Each of the three towers designed by Rothelowman will have its own podium, connected by an elevated skybridge network to create a beachside village for residents. The resident amenity has been designed to rival a five-star hotel, with private dining rooms, resident lounges and entertainment spaces.</p>

<p>McMahon said the pricing strategy was a deliberate response to the current market.</p>

<p>"What Paradiso Place offers is a unique balance, genuine value within a premium market. Buyers are not compromising on quality, design or amenity, they are gaining access to it at a more competitive price point at a time when prices across the Gold Coast continue to reach new highs."</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=106566 project_image_fid=362498]</p>

<p>Located around 100 metres from the beach and within walking distance of the Surfers Paradise North light rail station, Paradiso Place occupies one of the Gold Coast's most tightly held beachfront precincts.</p>

<p>Construction is continuing to progress, with eight of the project's 112 foundation piles now complete. Excavation has also commenced on the first diaphragm wall panel, with the first concrete poured on 15 June, marking a key milestone in the project's early works program.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=106566]</p>


Joel Robinson

SPG Land launches $1.5 billion Paradiso Place at attractive price point

<p>Luxury developer-builder <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/lowe-living">Lowe Living</a> has achieved a new Victorian benchmark for an off-the-plan apartment, with the sale of two penthouses at its ultra-exclusive Maison Savoy development in Brighton.</p>

<p>The two penthouses achieved a combined sale rate of $49,926 per sqm. Both transactions eclipsed the previous identified Victorian off-the-plan price-per-square-metre benchmark, set by the 449 sqm apartment at Como Toorak, which sold at $46,659 per sqm.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=140818 project_image_fid=366473]</p>

<p><a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/maison-savoy-brighton-150-esplanade-brighton-vic-3186">Maison Savoy</a>, Lowe Living's redevelopment of the former Brighton Savoy Hotel on absolute beachfront land at 150 The Esplanade, Brighton, has gained significant momentum since launching just eight weeks ago. Around 30 per cent of the project's 19 residences have already been secured, generating approximately $45 million in sales.</p>

<p>"Securing two of the three penthouse sales at this stage, within eight weeks of launching to market speaks to the confidence our clients place in Lowe Living," Lowe Living co-founder Emma Lowe said.</p>

<p>"They know we'll be with them through every stage of the journey, and that assurance is something we've worked hard to earn and never take for granted."</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=140818 project_image_fid=366474]</p>

<p>Lowe said Maison Savoy was conceived as a genuine alternative to a prestige Brighton home, combining house-scale proportions with the convenience, security and lock-up-and-leave appeal of apartment living.</p>

<p>Lowe Living co-founder Tim Lowe said the early sales success demonstrated the resilience of Melbourne's prestige market and highlighted the growing demand for house-sized apartments among ultra-high-net-worth buyers.</p>

<p>"The Melbourne market has definitely been tested in recent years, with interest rates and global economic factors all creating a period of uncertainty across the real estate sector. The sales success at Maison Savoy however demonstrates that confidence remains exceptionally strong at the top end of the market.</p>

<p>"The prestige market is being driven by long-term lifestyle decisions rather than short-term market sentiment, which continues to create a level of certainty that befits an absolute beachfront property in a blue-chip location like Brighton.</p>

<p>"Brighton's fundamentals remain among the strongest in Melbourne, with limited new supply, enduring demand from an overwhelmingly local owner-occupier market, and a rare combination of beachfront amenity and proximity to the CBD."</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=140818 project_image_fid=374378]</p>

<p>According to Cotality, Brighton remains one of Melbourne's most tightly held prestige suburbs, with an average ownership tenure of 15.3 years for houses and 12.3 years for units, while more than 73 per cent of homes are owner-occupied.</p>

<p>Tim Lowe said selling two of the project's three penthouses so early in the campaign was an uncommon result.</p>

<p>"This sales result is a reflection of quality and understanding the local market. It's incredibly rare to transact the penthouses so early in a sales campaign in any project so to have sold two of the three penthouses at Maison Savoy so soon after launch, all in-house without any external sales agency appointed, is reflective of our careful consideration of our buyers' needs and lifestyle.</p>

<p>"This is knowledge that is accumulated not just from data and demographic analysis, but via a deeply embedded understanding of how this type of buyer wants to live and feel in their home. We pride ourselves on getting to know our clients personally, and over the last 10 years we have been able to refine our product offering by talking one-on-one with our clients about their design and floorplan preferences.</p>

<p>"Being a fully integrated developer-builder with an in-house design and sales team allows us to lead every part of the process and ensure the highest quality of product and service at every touchpoint. It's a really important part of our DNA and the recent sales success at Maison Savoy indicates that our clients and purchasers are resonating with this point of difference.</p>

<p>"It reinforces that demand remains strong for thoughtfully designed residences that offer rarity, lifestyle and long-term value in tightly held locations, which ultimately validates Maison Savoy's positioning as creating a new benchmark for house-scale, wellness-led apartment living on Brighton's beachfront."</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=140818 project_image_fid=366480]</p>

<p>The residences at Maison Savoy start from 295 sqm, with most enjoying uninterrupted views across Port Phillip Bay. The project sits moments from the Brighton Bathing Boxes, Royal Brighton Yacht Club, Middle Brighton Baths and Church Street's retail and dining precinct.</p>

<p>A key feature of the development is its private residents-only bathhouse, curated by the founder of Aurora Spa &amp; Bathhouse and modelled on traditional European bathing rituals and the award-winning Sorrento bathhouse.</p>

<p>The wellness offering includes a hydrotherapy pool, salt room, sauna, steam room, cold plunge pool, foot activation zone and a Vichy rainfall bed, one of only a handful in Australia. Residents will also have access to a Technogym studio, lounge spaces and a dedicated concierge service offering everything from morning coffee delivery and restaurant bookings to dry cleaning and home coordination.</p>

<p>"Wellness-led design has become a defining factor for luxury buyers," Emma Lowe said.</p>

<p>"Purchasers increasingly value homes that enhance wellbeing through thoughtful design, private amenity, privacy and liveability."</p>

<p>The penthouse purchasers are now undertaking a bespoke customisation process curated personally by architect Pete Kennon and the Lowe Living team, one of the developer's signature service offerings.</p>

<p>Construction on the $160 million transformation of the former Brighton Savoy Hotel site commenced last month, with completion expected in early 2028. The project has secured funding from NAB alongside development partner Monark.</p>

<p>Just one penthouse remains available, along with a limited number of two and three-bedroom residences starting from $3.75 million.</p>

<p>Lowe Living currently has eight projects on the market across Melbourne and recently celebrated its 10th anniversary, having grown a $1 billion development pipeline alongside a $350 million construction pipeline.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=140818]</p>


Lowe Living set new Melbourne off the plan apartment record

<p data-end="481" data-start="254">For more than three decades, Hyecorp has been delivering residential projects across Sydney's Lower North Shore, building a portfolio centred on design-led apartment living in some of the city's most established neighbourhoods.</p>

<p data-end="817" data-start="483">Hyecorp recently launched the latest in its long line of apartment developments, Celine, a 29-storey tower on Archer Street in Chatswood. Like the majority of the developer's projects, Celine caters to a broad buyer demographic, offering a mix of one, two, three and four-bedroom apartments, all designed with owner-occupiers in mind.</p>

<p data-end="954" data-start="819">Functionality and flexibility are often buzzwords in the new apartment market, but they sit at the core of Hyecorp's design philosophy.</p>

<p data-end="1151" data-start="956">Hyecorp Joint Managing Director Stephen Abolakian says the developer understands it isn't designing apartments for today's needs alone, but for how buyers will live several years into the future.</p>

<p data-end="1277" data-start="1153">"When we launch our projects we need to be aware that these developments aren't finished for several years," Abolakian says.</p>

<p data-end="1510" data-start="1279">"That home office in the here and now might be a nursery by the time the project completes for a prospective buyer, so we need to think about how the apartment spaces function for future uses so there's longevity in the ownership."</p>

<p data-end="1618" data-start="1512">Celine's architects, Fuse, followed the same philosophy, saying the design extends well beyond aesthetics.</p>

<p data-end="2038" data-start="1620">"Celine focuses on timeless architectural form and functionality, with a strong emphasis on light, proportion and materiality. The design responds to the urban context of Chatswood while delivering calm, highly liveable interiors that feel both contemporary and enduring. The floorplans have been carefully resolved to maximise usability and outperform typical market offerings in terms of efficiency and liveability."</p>

<p data-end="2295" data-start="2040">Most apartments incorporate multipurpose rooms designed for flexibility. Each includes an integrated desk and a standard Murphy pull-down single bed, allowing the space to transition from a home office or study to guest accommodation as needs change. The layouts have also been designed to maximise natural light, storage and overall functionality.</p>

<p data-end="2474" data-start="2297">One and two-bedroom apartments feature Miele appliances, while three and four-bedroom residences are appointed with integrated Gaggenau appliances and Taj Mahal stone benchtops.</p>

<p data-end="2837" data-start="2476">Buyers who purchase early in the construction process can also take advantage of Hyecorp's "Live Your Way" interior design service, allowing them to personalise finishes and tailor elements of their home to suit their own lifestyle. It's a feature designed to appeal to owner-occupiers who want their apartment to feel uniquely theirs from the day they move in.</p>

<p data-end="2909" data-start="2839">[smartcode_project:default project_id=149594 project_image_fid=362614]</p>

<p data-end="3074" data-start="2911">While flexible floorplans have become a hallmark of Hyecorp's apartment design, the developer has also continued to place significant emphasis on resident amenity.</p>

<p data-end="3307" data-start="3076">As buyers increasingly expect more from apartment living, shared spaces have evolved beyond a gym and barbecue area. They are now an extension of the home, providing spaces to relax, exercise, entertain and connect with neighbours.</p>

<p data-end="3543" data-start="3309">At Celine, the resident amenity has been designed with a focus on wellness, centred on the level six podium. An infinity-edge swimming pool, spa, sauna and fully equipped gym are complemented by barbecue facilities and a residents' lounge, creating a range of spaces for relaxation, recreation and social connection above the streets of Chatswood.</p>

<p data-end="3821" data-start="3545">Practical conveniences have also been integrated throughout the building, including EV charging provisions, smart parcel lockers, bicycle storage, a pet wash station and dedicated car wash bays, reflecting the project's focus on making everyday living as seamless as possible.</p>

<p data-end="3893" data-start="3823">[smartcode_project:default project_id=149594 project_image_fid=362633]</p>

<p data-end="4682" data-start="4522">"Celine has been designed to deliver a refined residential experience that reflects the evolution of Chatswood into a premium urban centre,"&nbsp;Abolakian says.</p>

<p data-end="5037" data-start="4684">"With over 30 years of experience delivering projects across Sydney's Lower North Shore, Hyecorp brings a deep understanding of what local buyers value. Every detail has been considered to balance luxury, functionality and long-term liveability. This is not just about apartments, but about creating a lasting residential address for discerning buyers."</p>

<p data-end="5037" data-start="4684">Hyecorp, vertically-integrated builder-developer, is anticipating construction commencement later this year.</p>

<p data-end="5088" data-start="5039">[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=149594]</p>


Hyecorp brings 30 years of Lower North Shore experience to Celine in Chatswood

<p>Burgeoning South East Queensland developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/frank-developments">Frank Developments</a> is continuing to pad out its capital city development pipeline.</p>

<p>The developer, led by Frank Licastro, has its sights set on Kingsford Smith Drive in Hamilton, where it is planning <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/avela-60-kingsford-smith-drive-albion-qld-4010">AVELA</a>, a 166-apartment development across three towers that tier down from 28 storeys to 19 and 17.</p>

<p>The towers will rise above the iconic Breakfast Creek Hotel.</p>

<p>Frank has brought on Melbourne architecture practice <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/rob-kennon-architects">Kennon</a> to design the building, conceived as a “defining architectural marker where the airport corridor meets the inner city.”</p>

<p><img alt="First look: Frank Developments plans sculptural AVELA for Brisbane's Breakfast Creek gateway" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="e787c64e-f0a4-4725-891e-e86b40ee5c5c" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/AVELA.png?VersionId=1ulwuZ9w2vQ2td7v.J2zUI7Ih_DT4Kwz" /></p>

<p>Kennon describes the project as a once-in-a-generation opportunity.</p>

<p>"Positioned at the northern gateway of Brisbane's primary CBD corridor, this project represents a singular moment in the city's urban evolution, one that will not come again," the architecture practice said in the documents submitted to the Brisbane City Council.</p>

<p>"Where the airport and world beyond meets the city, the building will rise as a sculptural landmark, a defining piece of architecture that signals arrival into Brisbane and anchors the connection between the city and the communities to its north."</p>

<p><img alt="First look: Frank Developments plans sculptural AVELA for Brisbane's Breakfast Creek gateway" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d572bf62-a98d-4847-95d0-889e3d3283e1" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/AVELA%20podium.png?VersionId=6.Ax4jBzTbY5ahm55iaMWNR03ODhDQSm" /></p>

<p>The development is centred around owner-occupier apartments, with a mix of two, three and four-bedroom residences designed to capitalise on city and river views.</p>

<p>Four basement levels accommodate resident parking, allowing the podium to prioritise pedestrian activity and public-facing uses like ground-floor retail, a cafe, a&nbsp;neighbourhood grocer, and a public accessible indoor pickleball court and event space.&nbsp;</p>

<p>There will be nearly 2,000 sqm of communal wellness and recreation facilities across three levels.</p>

<p><img alt="First look: Frank Developments plans sculptural AVELA for Brisbane's Breakfast Creek gateway" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c5ac3cbf-3c11-4219-89f3-e12d9e0f9ffd" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/AVELA%20podium%20A.png?VersionId=_.4zd1HLCKa1s6I_oxkY4NNqX6o3Yevn" /></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Frank Developments has increasingly focused on design-led residential projects across South East Queensland.</p>

<p>AVELA is Licastro's second on Kingsford Smith Drive following <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/alba-92-kingsford-smith-drive-hamilton-qld-4007">Alba</a>, 85 apartments just down the road. The developer has <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/mira-61-garfield-terrace-surfers-paradise-qld-4217">MIRA</a> and <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/myst-burleigh-heads-270-the-esplanade-miami-qld-4220">MYST</a> on the Gold Coast, as well as <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/murano-teneriffe-37-wyandra-street-new-farm-qld-4005">Murano</a> coming up in Teneriffe and <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/bel-air-33-oxlade-drive-new-farm-qld-4005">Bel Air in New Farm</a>.</p>


Frank Developments plans sculptural AVELA for Brisbane's Breakfast Creek gateway

<p>ASX-listed developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/stockland">Stockland</a>&nbsp;is continuing its push back into the new apartment market, filing plans for a prominent gateway site between Collingwood and East Melbourne.</p>

<p>The development giant, which moved back into the new apartment space when it announced Stanton Place in Sydney's Rosebery and have since filed plans for a 50-storey tower, are jumping into the off the plan Melbourne market.</p>

<p>They are hoping to create a mixed-use neighbourhood precinct for <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/79-81-victoria-parade-collingwood-vic-3066">79-81 Victoria Parade</a>, replacing an existing commercial building with a scheme by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/john-wardle-architects">Wardle</a>&nbsp;for 478 apartments,&nbsp;ground-floor retail, new public open spaces and a publicly accessible pedestrian laneway.</p>

<p><img alt="First look: Stockland plans new mixed-use neighbourhood precinct for Collingwood gateway site" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="72dbbca9-3918-4073-afad-a0c0c35be8e7" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/stockland%20pers.png?VersionId=bzMVUKKxvwuNK1m0v_td126Rgct32uk_" /></p>

<p>The design report identifies the public realm as a central driver of the proposal.</p>

<p>"Collingwood has limited access to high-quality parks and public open space, and the proposal delivers valuable new areas for respite, social interaction and fine-grain retail activity."</p>

<p>The development would deliver a diverse mix of housing, including studio, one, two and three-bedroom apartments alongside townhouse-style residences. Two basement levels are proposed beneath the development, providing resident and retail parking as well as extensive bicycle facilities.</p>

<p>Wardle's design draws heavily on Collingwood's industrial character, using articulated building forms, brickwork and robust materials inspired by the suburb's warehouse and manufacturing heritage. The built form has been broken into a series of smaller volumes to better respond to the surrounding streetscape while extensive communal gardens, rooftop amenities and shared resident spaces are integrated throughout the project.</p>

<p><img alt="First look: Stockland plans new mixed-use neighbourhood precinct for Collingwood gateway site" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="7b2135ed-65df-4253-ad53-f216f06bd467" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/stockland%20podium.png?VersionId=l1B6Hqn8zs772VxH6L1fDPg0KHshan9v" /></p>

<p>The planning documents describe the existing office building as offering little engagement with the public realm, with the redevelopment intended to create a more permeable and active neighbourhood destination.</p>

<p>"The proposed scheme presents a significant opportunity to deliver a vibrant retail plaza and a local neighbourhood hub serving both existing and future Collingwood residents."</p>

<p>The 79–81 Victoria Parade site occupies a strategic location about 1.5 kilometres east of Melbourne's CBD, at the threshold between Collingwood and East Melbourne. It is well served by tram services along Victoria Parade and sits within walking distance of St Vincent's Hospital, Fitzroy Gardens, the Fitzroy activity centre and a broad range of employment, retail and hospitality destinations.</p>


Stockland plans new mixed-use neighbourhood precinct for Collingwood gateway site

<p>Sydney’s property market is known for high prices, competitive bidding, and mounting pressure on first home buyers. But change is on the horizon.</p>

<p>From late 2025, eligible first home buyers in New South Wales will have access to a new federal government initiative aimed at addressing affordability: the Help to Buy Scheme.&nbsp;</p>

<h2>What is the Help to Buy Scheme?</h2>

<p>The program introduces a shared equity model intended to reduce the upfront cost of entering the property market, particularly in high-demand urban areas such as Sydney.</p>

<p>The scheme operates under a shared ownership structure in which the federal government takes an equity stake of up to 40 per cent for new homes, or 30 per cent for existing dwellings. This arrangement allows eligible buyers to significantly reduce their loan size and avoid the added cost of Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI).</p>

<p>Under this model, purchasers can enter the property market with as little as a two per cent deposit, well below the traditional 10 to 20 per cent usually required. The government’s contribution is not a loan but a co-ownership stake in the property. As such, there is no interest or rent charged on its portion.</p>

<p>Because the government’s equity combined with the buyer’s deposit typically meets or exceeds the 20 per cent threshold, LMI does not apply. The remaining balance, generally between 60 and 70 per cent of the property’s value, is financed through a standard home loan with a participating lender.</p>

<p>The government's equity in the property remains in place until the buyer chooses to repay it voluntarily or until the property is sold. Buyers can buy back the government’s share over time, in increments of at least five per cent, depending on their financial situation.</p>

<p>There is no fixed repayment timeline, but the amount to be repaid will be based on the property's market value at the time of repayment, not the original purchase price.</p>

<h2>How do you qualify for the&nbsp;Help to Buy Scheme?</h2>

<p>To qualify for the Help to Buy Scheme, applicants must meet the following conditions:</p>

<ul>
	<li>Be an Australian citizen at least 18 years of age.</li>
	<li>Be a first-home buyer who does not currently own property.</li>
	<li>Intend to live in the property as their primary residence.</li>
	<li>Earn less than $100,000 per year for individuals, or $160,000 for couples.</li>
	<li>Purchase a property within the regional price caps, currently $950,000 in Sydney, though this is expected to rise to approximately $1.3 million ahead of the program’s launch.</li>
</ul>

<p>While the Help to Buy Scheme does not solve affordability challenges across the board, it does offer a more accessible pathway for a defined segment of the market, particularly younger buyers with moderate incomes who have been priced out of traditional lending routes.</p>

<p>The scheme is expected to commence in NSW in late 2025, as part of a national rollout.</p>


Under the new model, purchasers can enter the property market with as little as a two per cent deposit, well below the traditional 10 to 20 per cent usually required

Help to Buy Scheme: What first home buyers in NSW need to know

<p>The First Home Owners Grant (FHOG) is a government initiative designed to help eligible first-time home buyers by offering financial assistance towards the purchase or construction of a new home.</p>

<p>While the FHOG is a nationwide program, it is administered separately by each state and territory, meaning the eligibility criteria, grant amounts, and property requirements can vary depending on your location. This means that the amount available and the conditions attached to the grant will differ, so it is important to check the specific guidelines for your state or territory.</p>

<p>It’s important to note that the FHOG is just one of several incentives available to first home buyers. In most states and territories, the grant is not linked to stamp duty exemptions or concessions, with the exception of the Australian Capital Territory (ACT). The FHOG is typically a one-off payment, reducing the overall cost of purchasing or building a new home before any stamp duty concessions are applied.</p>

<p>Below, we provide a breakdown of the First Home Owner Grants available across Australia, outlining the specific details for each state and territory.</p>

<h2>New South Wales First Home Owner Grant</h2>

<p><strong data-end="252" data-start="225">First Home Owner Grant:</strong> Offers a $10,000 grant for new homes valued up to $600,000. For land purchases and owner-builders, the threshold extends to $750,000.</p>

<p><strong data-end="413" data-start="389">Stamp Duty Benefits:</strong> Provides full stamp duty exemption for homes valued up to $800,000, with concessions available for properties up to $1 million.</p>

<h2>Victoria South Wales First Home Owner Grant</h2>

<p><strong>First Home Owner Grant:</strong> Provides a $10,000 grant for first-home buyers purchasing or building new homes valued up to $750,000.</p>

<p><strong>Stamp Duty Benefits</strong>: Offers full stamp duty exemption for properties up to $600,000, with concessions available up to $750,000.</p>

<h2>Queensland First Home Owner Grant</h2>

<p><strong data-end="920" data-start="893">First Home Owner Grant:</strong> Offers $30,000 for contracts signed between 20 November 2023 and 30 June 2025. The FHOG applies to new homes valued up to $750,000.</p>

<p><strong data-end="1162" data-start="1135">Stamp Duty Concessions:</strong> Provides additional concessions for properties valued up to $800,000.</p>

<h2>Western Australia First Home Owner Grant</h2>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>First Home Owner Grant:</strong> Offers a $10,000 grant for new homes valued up to $750,000 in the southern regions and up to $1 million in the northern regions.</p>

<p><strong>Stamp Duty Concessions:</strong> Available for homes valued up to $600,000 for transactions entered into on or after 9 May 2024.</p>

<h2>Australian Capital Territory First Home Owner Grant</h2>

<p><strong data-end="1617" data-start="1590">First Home Owner Grant:</strong> Replaced by the Home Buyer Concession Scheme, offering full stamp duty concessions for eligible buyers.</p>

<h2>South Australia First Home Owner Grant</h2>

<p><strong>First Home Owner Grant:</strong> Provides up to $15,000 for new homes, including houses, apartments, and townhouses. As of 6 June 2024, there is no property value cap for eligibility.</p>

<p><strong>Stamp Duty Relief:</strong> Available for new homes and vacant land purchases.</p>

<h2>Tasmania First Home Owner Grant</h2>

<p><strong>First Home Owner Grant</strong>: Offers a $10,000 grant for new homes and off the plan purchases.</p>

<p><strong>Stamp Duty Exemption</strong>: Between 18 February 2024 and 30 June 2026, first home buyers of established homes valued up to $750,000 receive a full exemption on property transfer duty.</p>

<h2>Northern Territory First Home Owner Grant</h2>

<p><strong>First Home Owner Grant:</strong> The Northern Territory provides a $10,000 grant for new homes only. Additional government grants and concessions are available for first home buyers.</p>

<p><strong>Stamp Duty Exemption</strong>: The only stamp duty exemption available to property buyers is the House and Land Package Exemption (HLPE).</p>

<p><em>Eligibility criteria and application processes differ across states. Prospective buyers should refer to their respective state revenue offices for full details on grant availability, conditions, and additional concessions.</em></p>


Every First Home Owner Grant for new property by state

<p>In the ever-evolving landscape of sustainable architecture and environmentally conscious design, systems and ratings in place can help determine the energy efficiency of residential buildings in Australia.</p>

<p>Australia has multiple building rating systems that evaluate energy efficiency and sustainability in existing and new building designs.</p>

<p>Some systems assess individual building components, while others provide an overall rating for the entire structure.</p>

<p>A rating system ensures that homes are comfortable and energy-efficient, whether you are buying, renovating, or building.</p>

<p>NatHERS (Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme) is a common way for new homes to meet energy efficiency requirements.</p>

<p>As new developments continue to shape the urban environment, understanding NatHERS ratings becomes essential for developers and homeowners. This article delves into the concept of NatHERS ratings, their significance, and how they contribute to creating energy-efficient homes.</p>

<h2>What is NatHERS?</h2>

<p>NatHERS is a national initiative implemented by the Australian government to promote energy efficiency in residential buildings. The scheme aims to provide a standardised method for assessing the thermal performance of homes, considering factors such as insulation, orientation, ventilation, and building materials.&nbsp;</p>

<p>NatHERS ratings are the most common way new homes meet the National Construction Code's (NCC's) minimum energy efficiency requirements.&nbsp;</p>

<p>NatHERS assessments provide thermal and whole-home ratings for new homes, townhouses, and apartments.</p>

<p>The rating helps evaluate the energy performance of buildings, guides homeowners and developers to make informed decisions about the energy efficiency of their properties, and encourages the construction of more sustainable, comfortable, and cost-effective homes.</p>

<h2>How NatHERS Ratings Work</h2>

<p>NatHERS ratings are determined through four accredited software tools (AccuRate, BERS Pro, FirstRate5, HERO) using a calculation engine CSIRO developed to predict building temperature based on various factors.</p>

<p>The tools can model complex effects of building mass, insulation, window size, and other elements.</p>

<p>The outcome is a star rating that reflects the building's overall thermal efficiency, indicating how well it can maintain a comfortable indoor temperature without excessive reliance on heating or cooling systems.</p>

<p>The star rating scale ranges from 0 to 10, with a 6-star rating being the minimum requirement for compliance with the National Construction Code (NCC).&nbsp;</p>

<p>Achieving a higher star rating demonstrates a commitment to energy efficiency and sustainability, as the building is better equipped to minimise its environmental impact and reduce long-term energy costs.</p>

<p>Anyone can use NatHERS tools, but accredited assessors can provide certified ratings and professional advice.</p>

<h2>Benefits of Higher NatHERS Ratings</h2>

<p><strong>Energy Efficiency:</strong> Buildings with higher NatHERS ratings are more energy-efficient, requiring less heating and cooling energy. This reduces the structure's carbon footprint and lowers occupants' energy bills.</p>

<p><strong>Cost Savings:</strong> Homes with higher NatHERS ratings are generally more energy-efficient, resulting in reduced energy consumption for heating and cooling. This translates to lower energy bills for homeowners, making sustainable living environmentally friendly and economically viable in the long run.</p>

<p><strong>Environmental Impact:</strong> Lower energy consumption directly translates to a reduced environmental impact. Buildings with higher NatHERS ratings contribute to the overall goal of mitigating climate change by lowering greenhouse gas emissions associated with heating and cooling systems.</p>

<p><strong>Improved Comfort: </strong>Buildings with high NatHERS ratings offer better thermal comfort to occupants. Proper insulation, well-designed ventilation, and optimal orientation maintain a consistent and comfortable indoor temperature, providing occupants with a more enjoyable and healthier space.</p>

<p><strong>Market Value and Desirability:</strong> Higher NatHERS ratings can enhance the market value of a property. As energy efficiency becomes a more significant consideration for homebuyers, a well-rated building may attract a premium price and stand out in the real estate market.</p>

<p><strong>Compliance with Building Codes:</strong> NatHERS ratings are a vital component of the National Construction Code (NCC), and compliance with these ratings is often a mandatory requirement for new developments. Local councils and planning authorities may set minimum energy efficiency standards that must be met to obtain development approval.</p>


The Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme (NatHERS) is a crucial initiative shaping the future of energy-efficient, resilient, and cost-effective homes. With its recent upgrades, NatHERS has evolved into a world-leading tool for the building sector, supporting the global commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.

Staff Writer

What is a NatHERS rating in new off the plan apartment developments?

<p>Mixed-use developments have gained significant popularity across Australia in recent years due to their unique blend of residential, commercial, and recreational spaces.</p>

<p>Unlike traditional single-purpose developments, mixed-use projects offer a harmonious integration of various functions within a single locale.</p>

<p>Residential units seamlessly coexist with commercial establishments, retail outlets, dining venues, entertainment hubs, and recreational facilities, with the combination not only enhances convenience but also fosters a vibrant lifestyle and a sense of community.</p>

<h3>Convenience and accessibility</h3>

<p>Mixed-use developments are designed with convenience in mind. They often integrate residential units with commercial spaces, retail outlets, restaurants, and recreational facilities, creating a self-contained community.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=114215 project_image_fid=204874]</p>

<p>The proximity allows residents to enjoy the convenience of having essential amenities and services within walking distance. Whether it's grabbing a cup of coffee, going grocery shopping, or accessing healthcare services, everything is conveniently located, saving residents time and effort.</p>

<h3>Vibrant lifestyle and community</h3>

<p>One of the major advantages of mixed-use developments is the vibrant lifestyle they offer. With a diverse range of amenities and communal spaces, residents have ample opportunities to interact, socialise, and build a sense of community.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=107714 project_image_fid=214122]</p>

<p>The presence of parks, community centres, and shared spaces fosters a lively atmosphere, encouraging residents to engage in various activities and events. The vibrant lifestyle within these developments creates a unique sense of belonging and camaraderie among the residents.</p>

<h3>Potential for higher rental yields and property value appreciation</h3>

<p>Mixed-use developments tend to attract a broad range of tenants and buyers due to their versatile nature. This high demand can result in higher rental yields for investors and potentially lead to property value appreciation over time.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=139989 project_image_fid=212887]</p>

<p>The integration of commercial and retail spaces attracts businesses, which can provide a stable rental income stream. Additionally, the popularity of mixed-use developments often drives up property values, making them a potentially lucrative investment in the long term.</p>

<h3>Enhanced security and maintenance</h3>

<p>Mixed-use developments typically have comprehensive security measures in place. With controlled access points, CCTV surveillance, and professional security staff, residents can enjoy enhanced safety and peace of mind.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=108019 project_image_fid=212658]</p>

<p>Additionally, these developments often have dedicated maintenance teams responsible for the upkeep of common areas, landscaping, and infrastructure. This ensures that the overall appearance and functionality of the development are well-maintained, creating a pleasant living environment for residents.</p>

<h3>Live-work-play balance</h3>

<p>One of the key attractions of mixed-use developments is the ability to achieve a desirable live-work-play balance. The integration of residential and commercial spaces allows residents to live closer to their workplaces, reducing commuting time and improving work-life balance.</p>

<p>The proximity to various amenities and recreational facilities encourages an active and healthy lifestyle. Residents can easily access fitness centres, parks, restaurants, and entertainment options, all within the same development, leading to a more fulfilling and convenient way of life.</p>


alisonwarters@gmail.com

The top five reasons to buy in a mixed-use development

<p style="line-height: 1.38;">When buying a property, everyone needs to be aware of the additional costs that come as part of the buying process.</p>

<p style="line-height: 1.38;">Often the largest outlay, after the deposit which goes to the bank, is stamp duty.</p>

<h2 style="line-height: 1.38;">What is Stamp Duty?</h2>

<p>Stamp duty is an extra tax to pay the government when you buy land, a property, and other certain assets.</p>

<p>It happens when the legal ownership is transferred. It can also be known as property transfer duty or transfer duty.</p>

<p style="line-height: 1.38;"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="415" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/C32BWkB5--c" title="YouTube video player" width="660"></iframe></p>

<h2>Who pays Stamp Duty?</h2>

<p>In some circumstances, you may get an exemption. For some states, you won’t have to pay for stamp duty if you are a first home buyer or a pensioner for houses under a particular price. There are also stamp duty concessions, where you may be entitled to a discount.</p>

<h2>How much does Stamp Duty cost?</h2>

<p>Each state has different rules which affect how much you need to pay. These rules can affect the rate you pay, and the timeframe you will need to pay in. Before you buy land or a property, make sure you check the up-to-date information for your state’s stamp duty.</p>

<p>You can use a free stamp duty calculator online to see approximately how much you’ll need to pay. Find out if you’re eligible for an exemption by enquiring on a project via Urban!</p>

<p>Overall, the stamp duty you need to pay will depend on:</p>

<ul>
	<li aria-level="1">How much your land/property is worth</li>
	<li aria-level="1">Where your land/property is located</li>
	<li aria-level="1">What type of land/property it is</li>
</ul>

<p style="line-height:1.38">Want to find out more? <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@UrbanAustralia?utm_source=YouTube&amp;utm_medium=Video&amp;utm_campaign=Subscribe&amp;utm_id=Subscribe">Subscribe to our YouTube channel</a> for more property videos.</p>


Ellen Walker

Off-the-plan property explained: What is stamp duty?

<p>For the first time in a long time, Australia's inflation story is starting to look more like a landing than a fight.</p>

<p>The latest Consumer Price Index figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics showed annual inflation eased to four per cent in May, down from 4.2 per cent in April. On the surface, that might not seem like a major move. Inflation remains above the Reserve Bank's target range and some categories continue to record stubborn price growth.</p>

<p>But the significance of this result lies less in where inflation sits today and more in what it means for where interest rates are likely heading next.</p>

<p>The biggest takeaway is that inflation continues to move in the right direction.</p>

<p>Markets had been bracing for another sticky result after a period where progress appeared to stall. Instead, headline inflation came in softer than expected, helped by falling fuel prices and easing transport costs. Annual transport inflation halved from 6.6 per cent in April to 3.3 per cent in May, while automotive fuel prices fell 11.9 per cent during the month following lower oil prices and the impact of reduced fuel excise measures.</p>

<p>While petrol prices don't solve Australia's affordability challenges, they are one of the most visible and immediate costs for consumers. Falling fuel costs feed through the economy quickly, helping ease pressure on household budgets and business operating expenses.</p>

<p>The ABS data also showed headline inflation is now sitting at its lowest annual level in several months, reinforcing the broader trend that price growth is gradually moderating.</p>

<p>That trend is important because it aligns with what many economists and lenders have been saying for the last month.</p>

<p>Prior to this week's inflation data, ANZ, NAB and Commonwealth Bank had all shifted their forecasts, now believing the Reserve Bank had likely reached the peak of the interest rate cycle. Following the May inflation release, ANZ reaffirmed that view.</p>

<p>In its latest economic update, ANZ said it expects quarterly trimmed mean inflation to come in at 3.7 per cent for the June quarter, slightly below the Reserve Bank's forecast of 3.8 per cent. Importantly, the bank said that outcome, when combined with slowing economic activity, "supports our view that the cash rate has peaked".</p>

<p>The Reserve Bank has spent the better part of three years attempting to bring inflation under control through higher interest rates. If Australia's major banks are correct and rates have now peaked, the conversation shifts from how much higher rates could go to when they might begin coming down.</p>

<p>Westpac's caution comes from underlying inflation. The trimmed mean, the measure most closely watched by the Reserve Bank, increased from 3.4 per cent to 3.6 per cent annually. Housing inflation remains elevated at 6.5 per cent, reflecting ongoing increases in rents, electricity costs and new dwelling construction.</p>

<p>Electricity prices remain particularly problematic, rising 21.1 per cent over the past year following the removal of government rebates.</p>

<p>Housing construction costs are also showing signs of renewed pressure. ANZ noted new dwelling costs rose 0.9 per cent in May and are now running at an annualised pace of 8.6 per cent over the past three months. Builders continue to face higher labour, fuel and material costs, a reminder that inflationary pressures have not completely disappeared.</p>

<p>Housing affordability has deteriorated largely because of higher interest rates rather than higher property prices alone. Even modest reductions in mortgage rates would improve borrowing capacity, increase buyer confidence and reduce repayment pressure on existing homeowners.</p>

<p>While August is far from a certainty, the latest inflation result has strengthened the view that the next move in rates is more likely to be down than up. For borrowers, buyers and the development sector, that alone represents a significant shift from the conversation that dominated much of the past two years.</p>


The inflation result the property market was waiting for

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<p>Guest Observer</p>
<p>Sydney and Melbourne have recorded phenomenal price growth over the past five years, with house prices rising 66.9 percent and 39.8 percent respectively since the growth cycle commenced in mid-2012.</p>
<p>The median house price in Sydney is now $960,000, representing a capital gain of $385,000 in just five years. The median house price in Melbourne is $675,000, with the boom putting on average about $192,500 of new equity into the pockets of home owners.</p>
<p>A strong economy, population growth, new infrastructure, a chronic shortage of housing, a spike in investor activity and interest rates falling to record lows have all contributed to this surge in property values.</p>
<p>Some suburbs have fared better than others, with local factors substantially propelling prices forward in parallel with citywide trends that caused a frenzy of buying in our two big capitals.</p>
<p>Figures compiled by CoreLogic have identified the Sydney and Melbourne suburbs with the strongest house price growth in the five years to June 2017. </p>
<p>The biggest boom winners in Sydney were Bringelly (170.1% growth) and Kemps Creek (166%) in the west and Clareville (125%) on the northern beaches. </p>
<p>Melbourne’s biggest boom winners were Huntingdale (103% growth), Ashwood (91.2%) and Ashburton (90.6%) in the south east.</p>
<p>In Bringelly and Kemps Creek, land sales have been the key drivers of house price growth. While the two precincts are still largely farming areas, rezoning is expected to change the face of these neighbourhoods in the years to come. Zoning for Bringelly is currently mixed while the majority of Kemps Creek will be industrial to service the new Western Sydney Airport.</p>
<p>The airport is already bringing jobs and businesses to the area, with initial roadworks underway generating about 4,000 jobs. The Federal Government plans to have the airport operational by 2026 with close to 9,000 jobs in place by the early 2030s.</p>
<p>Over on Sydney’s Northern Beaches, the affluent beachside suburb of Clareville has seen prices surge over the past five years, with an increase in the number of $4M+ sales over the past 12 months largely behind its incredible growth.</p>
<p>While the precinct has always been desirable to buyers, its recovery post-GFC was slower than other prestige areas. Buyers have since come to recognise the disparity in value between Clareville and the premium suburbs of the lower north shore, upper north shore and eastern suburbs, which has also been a significant factor fuelling increased demand in recent years.</p>
<p>The Clareville market has been driven by downsizers, local families upgrading and buyers seeking a holiday home. The appeal of a relaxed beachside lifestyle within an hour of the CBD has made it a sought-after seachange destination.</p>
<p>The suburb has also benefited from new restaurants, the new Avalon Beach Surf Club and the promise of better transportation to the city with the new B-Line bus service.</p>
<p>In Melbourne’s south east, the ripple e ect has sent prices soaring in our top three suburbs.</p>
<p>In Huntingdale, the small yet attractive enclave is tightly held with just 19 house sales in FY17 out of only 469 houses in total. Home to just 1,900 residents, its collection of about 20 streets is attracting buyers priced out of nearby Oakleigh, Carnegie, Murrumbeena and Hughesdale.</p>
<p>Among its amenities is Huntingdale Primary School – one of just 12 bilingual schools in Victoria, and the internationally recognised ‘Home of the Australian Masters’, Huntingdale Golf Club, both located just across the border in Oakleigh South. Huntingdale also has its own train station.</p>
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<p><span>Just 5km away, neighbouring Ashwood and Ashburton were once considered hidden gems but are now in high demand from buyers priced out of Camberwell, Malvern and Mount Waverley.<br><br> These two leafy suburbs offer an abundance of green space and their large blocks are popular with families. Ashburton has seen an increase in new builds as home owners knock down existing properties to create modern family homes.</span></p>
<p><span> Both suburbs offer good public transport links and easy access to the Monash Freeway, with nearby Chadstone shopping centre and Monash and Deakin universities also major drawcards.</span></p>
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<p><span>After a five year upwards trajectory, we are now seeing affordability constraints and tighter lending conditions softening demand in both the Sydney and Melbourne markets.</span></p>
<p><span> Affordability is always a factor at the end of booms. The market cycle eventually reaches a critical price point where buyers begin to exit the marketplace. Some owner occupier buyers renovate instead of trading up while others leave the city altogether.<br><br> Investor buyers begin to lose interest as capital growth prospects wane and yields become too small to service the loan. New restrictions on lending to investors have been a major factor reducing demand as well.<br><br> Typical post-boom market trends we expect to see over the next year include an increase in stock, as more vendors come to market with hopes of achieving a final boom price and thousands of new apartments are completed following the construction boom. </span></p>
<p><span>Apart from first home buyers, we will see a gradual reduction in demand as investors exit and owner occupiers struggle with affordability. The buyers remaining in the market will be choosier given improved supply, leading to an increase in average days on market.</span></p>
<p><span> Auction clearance rates will fall back to the more normal rate of sale around 60%. After several months of post-boom activity, vendor discounting will increase as sellers finally adjust their expectations and accept that boom level prices are no longer achievable.<br><br> Price growth will continue – albeit at a slower pace, particularly in Sydney and Melbourne’s best suburbs. The citywide medians will rise and fall over many months as the market rebalances.<br><br> Overall, there is a possibility of a minor price correction and this would be healthy for the long term sustainability of our major city markets following such a prolonged period of rapid growth. </span></p>
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<p>John McGrath is the founder of the national agency, McGrath Estate Agents <a href="https://www.mcgrath.com.au/mcgrath-report" target="_blank">with the full report here</a>.</p>
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jrobinson-rf4aSBido9

Biggest boom winners and what's the next cycle? John McGrath

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<div>Sportsbet chief executive Cormac Barry secured the sale of his three-bedroom South Yarra offering, amid Melbourne's record auction spree ahead of the Spring racing carnival interlude.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Barry's punt of putting it up for auction on Super Saturday paid off handsomely when <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-vic-south+yarra-126560498" target="_blank">the double fronted Victorian-era home on Nicholson Street</a> (above) fetched $2.4 million.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>It was $175,000 over reserve after keen competition between three homebuyers.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Last traded at $1.48 million in 2011, it had come with a pre-auction price guide of $2.1 million to $2.3 million.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>The listing had a celebrity connection too as fashion designer Bettina Liano had previously owned the charming Victorian home, selling it in 2007 at $1.35 million.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Melbourne had the nation's cheapest weekend offering when $237,000 secured a Brunswick West one bedroom apartment.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>The top floor 38 sq m 1970s apartment at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property/17-558-moreland-rd-brunswick-west-vic-3055" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">17/558 Moreland Road</a> had been tipped to fetch $235,000.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>The unit last sold at $235,500 in 2010. It had been listed for most of the past year with $265,000 hopes, having been rented at $285 a week. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>The top sale across the nation was a <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-waverton-126499226" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">$7,168,000 Waverton sale</a> in Sydney through McGrath Estate Agents.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>The 30 Larkin Street five bedroom home was built on a 560 sq m block bought in 2006 for $2.2 million.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>A three-storey house in Strathfield, sold for $6.6 million, some $600,000 over the reserve.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Melbourne's dearest result was a $6.4 million pre-auction sale of an Edwardian home at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-vic-toorak-126554194" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">659 Orrong Road, Toorak</a> followed by another five bedroom home at 33 Grant Street, Malvern East which fetched $6,125,000.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>It was a <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-vic-malvern+east-126555914" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">three-year old Canny-built</a> home.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Canberra took the baton as the capital city with the strongest weekend auction clearance rate of 77.1 percent sold under the hammer.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Prices ranged between $330,000 at Belconnen and $2,235,000 at O'Connor.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>The <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property/3-syme-cres-oconnor-act-2602" target="_blank">Syme Crescent five bedroom house</a> (below) was a modern home with pool on its 960 sq m block.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2017/10/30/Canberra1.jpg" alt=""> </div>
<div> </div>
<div>The one bedroom cheapie at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-apartment-act-belconnen-126644962" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">231/41 Chandler Street</a> had been tipped to fetch $359,000 plus.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>The 17th floor Altitude apartment enjoyed water and mountain views.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Canberra’s clearance rate was 77.1 per cent this week across 128 auctions, up from 68.2 per cent last week across 71 auctions.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Melbourne recorded its busiest auction week on record, securing a 71.7 percent success rate from 1,983 auctions. It was down on the prior preliminary 73.3 percent tally.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Melbourne's bumper auction volume surpassed the previous peak in late November 2015 when 1,876 auctions were held, Corelogic calculated amid nascent signs of Spring listings overload.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Sydney also saw a substantially higher volume of auctions with 1,196 homes taken to auction, though recording a weakening clearance rate of 64.1 per cent.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>"Sydney’s clearance rate has been consistently below 65 per cent since the first week of October," according to CoreLogic's auction commentator Kevin Brogan.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>The Super Saturday saw zero auction commentary before or after from Domain's senior economist Dr Andrew Wilson, who has been with the soon to float group since October 2010.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>The usually prolific Dr Wilson has not tweeted since the prior weekend when he was duly undertaking official duties at the Sydney Property Expo.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>The Australian Financial Review coverage relied, unusually, just on CoreLogic. Domain's Sydney auction coverage came from a Melbourne correspondent, amid their gushing Block coverage.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>This week, the combined capital cities saw the number of auctions held reach a new year-to-date high according to CoreLogic, with a total of 3,690 held, surpassing the previous 2017 high recorded over the week prior to Easter when 3,517 auctions were held.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>The higher volumes returned a national auction clearance rate of 67.8 per cent.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>"Historically auction volumes have peaked around late November/early December; so if this trend holds true this year, we could see new records being set for auction volumes as the Spring season concludes," Brogan suggested.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>The other capital city auction markets were mixed with Brisbane recording the lowest clearance rate of just 47.1 percent.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>There were 188 Brisbane auctions, virtually unchanged from 47 percent last week across 174 auctions and similar to one year ago when there were 192 auctions with a success rate of 46.6 per cent.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Brisbane's unsuccessful auctions included a classic Queenslander which was passed in at $2.05 million in Paddington.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-paddington-125561114" target="_blank">The five bedroom Tooth Avenue home</a> (below) came with polished timber floors, high ceilings and VJ walls.</div>
<div> </div>
<div><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2017/10/30/BRISBANE1.jpg" alt=""></div>
<div> </div>
<div>A total of 143 Adelaide homes were taken to auction with a preliminary clearance rate of 70 per cent. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>Adelaide's cheapest result was $246,000 at Para Hills.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-sa-para+hills-126532846" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">The three bedroom 1962 brick home</a> had last sold at $180,000 in 2008.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>There were 46 Perth auctions, with 54.5 per cent clearing, rising from last week when 44 auctions were held and 40 per cent cleared.</div>
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Melbourne hands reins to Canberra as weekend auction success rate weakens in gallop to list

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<div>It's been a remarkable few years for dwelling construction in Queensland, especially for high-rise apartments, but the boom times for development are drawing to a close. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>The amplitude of this cycle has been on a par with Queensland's dwelling construction boom of 1994.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Back then about a quarter of dwellings built were multi-units, but the ratio has twice as great this time around, accounting for more than half of the total by 2015. </div>
<p> </p>
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<div>With lenders now tightening deposit requirements for apartment buyers across a swathe of inner Brisbane postcodes, as well as developer insolvencies peppering the newswires, there's no doubt that dwellings starts for apartments will continue to drop precipitously from the latest reported numbers. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>On the positive side, the most timely population estimates suggest that both interstate and net overseas migration are swinging sharply in Queensland's favour, so this should help to mop up the excesses over time. </div>
<p> </p>
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<p><br><span>Tenants are </span>centralising and moving in too<span>, slowly but surely.</span><br><br></p>
<div>Still, it's clearly going to be a renter's market in 2018, and, if my inbox is any kind of worthy indicator, there's going to be some material discounting on unsold new apartment stock. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>Investors with the means should keep a watchful eye out for bargains next year. </div>
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Brisbane apartment dwelling starts to drop precipitously

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<p>A pricey New Farm home has been sold by the mortgagee, at an undisclosed price.</p>
<p>Set in the blue chip suburb outside of Brisbane, the <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-new+farm-126367214" target="_blank">Turner Avenue residence</a> last traded for $930,000 in 2008.</p>
<p>It had been up for rent at $2,200 a week before the mortgagee exercised power of sale.</p>
<p>The two level designer home has four bedrooms, three bathrooms, multiple living areas and a home office.</p>
<p><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2017/09/28/Ascot1.jpg" alt=""></p>
<p>The upper level master suite features and ensuite and a separate his and hers walk in wardrobe.</p>
<p>An outdoor entertaining area with barbecue and outdoor fireplace overlooks the swimming pool.</p>
<p>Ray White New Farm agents Scott Darwon and Robert Freeman marketing the home as "a <span>show-stopping residence."</span></p>
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New Farm mortgagee sale

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<div>The fuel and convenience retailer Jasbe Petroleum will put three properties in regional Victoria to November 23 auction.</div>
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<div>
<div>The are the BP service stations in Wollert and Cranbourne, as well as a brand new United service station on Cheltenham Road in Dandenong. </div>
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<div>Both BP properties were developed and operated by Jasbe Petroleum, which operates 50 fuel sites nationally.</div>
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<div>The United service station in Dandenong was developed by the country’s largest independent fuel retailer, United Petroleum, and offers investors an opportunity to secure a brand new property with 15-year triple net lease.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Jasbe Petroleum director, Miro Sloup, said the firm had taken a position to recycle some of the capital out of our company’s real estate investments with a view of reinvesting into the business and grow the convenience and fuel operations for our customers. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>The opportunity to purchase the three service stations follows the recent $5 million sale of a freestanding 7-11 in the regional Victorian city of Ballarat (above picture).</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Located at the corner of Hertford and Alfred streets in the Ballarat fringe suburb of Sebastopol, the 4,216 sqm property was purchased by a Melbourne-based farming family after outbidding 16 other groups.</div>
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<div>The property is leased to 7-Eleven Stores Pty Ltd on a 15-year term with fixed annual increases of 3%. The transaction reflected a sharp yield of 5.33%.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>CBRE suggest the sale highlighted an upturn in transaction activity in the service station investment market. </div>
</div>
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Three service stations in regional Victoria up for grabs at CBRE auction

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<div>Hewlett Packard's Rhodes campus in Sydney and Forest Hill campus in Melbourne have been listed for sale, as the leading computer maker looks to cash in on valuable real estate.</div>
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<div>At the 3.43ha Rhodes site, HPE is seeking to partner with an Australian developer to rezone the property and improve the site's development potential and value.</div>
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<div>Overall, the two sites could be worth $180 million, according to the Australian Financial Review. </div>
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<div>The Rhodes property, situated at 410 Concord Road, currently has a B7 Business Park zoning and very limited site coverage, with HPE’s headquarters totaling just 18,000sqm (representing just one-third of the site).</div>
<div>  </div>
<div>In Melbourne, HPE's 5.7ha site at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property/353-383-burwood-hwy-forest-hill-vic-3131" target="_blank">353-383 Burwood Highway</a> (picture above) is being offered for an outright sale.</div>
<div>
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<div>The zoning already allows for a mixed-use development. </div>
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<div>However, the group will also seek to take a partial leaseback over the existing office building on the site, which has a net lettable area of 9,523 sqm.</div>
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<div>HP has appointed CBRE to market the sites. </div>
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<div>Offers close November 30.</div>
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Hewlett Packard sites listed in Sydney and Melbourne

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<p>A boutique office building in North Sydney belonging to Property Bank Australia and Security Capital Corporation is on the market.</p>
<p>The <a href="https://www.realcommercial.com.au/property-offices-nsw-north+sydney-502573538" target="_blank">75 Miller Street</a> property is being marketed by Knight Frank’s Tyler Talbot and Dominic Ong along with CI Australia’s Bevan Kenny and Chris Veitch.</p>
<p>The vendor expectations are in the range of $50 million, Fairfax Media added.</p>
<p>Talbot said the asset, which is almost fully leased, is well placed to capture future growth in the sought after North Sydney market and will appeal to both local and offshore buyers.</p>
<p>“We are seeing a great deal of growth in North Sydney’s secondary office space, with further stock withdrawals tightening supply and dramatically increasing net effective rental returns for investors," he said.</p>
<p>Knight Frank research forecasts an average of 10.36% net effective rental growth per annum over the next three years for North Sydney B-grade stock.</p>
<p>Situated on 777 sqm of land area, 75 Miller Street spans 4,930 sqm and is a fully-refurbished boutique asset.</p>
<p>The property features multiple subdivision options and captures harbour views.</p>
<p>It is close to public transport and its onsite amenities includes a ground-floor café, gym and childcare centre.</p>
<p>The property is being marketed through an expressions of interest campaign that ended on October 26.</p>
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North Sydney office building listed for sale with $50 million hopes

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<p>A converted warehouse to office in Melbourne’s CBD fringe suburb of Richmond is up for auction on November 15 through Teska Carson.</p>
<p>Located at <a href="https://www.realcommercial.com.au/property-offices-vic-richmond-502600978" target="_blank">77 Murphy Street</a>, the corner property comprises a single level, 320 sqm brick warehouse which has been converted into office space.</p>
<p>The property will be sold subject to a short-term lease at a current net annual rental of $94,500. </p>
<p>According to marketing agents, Teska Carson’s Tom Maule and Matthew Feld, the property would suit a wide range of buyers including owner-occupiers, developers and investors.</p>
<p>The 320 sqm site is zoned Industrial 1.</p>
<p>“With a short term lease, an ideal, inner city location, and three street frontages, this converted warehouse offers opportunities for owner-occupiers, as well as developers and investors,” said Maule.</p>
<p>“Richmond has become a very much sought after address for those looking for a boutique office environment within easy reach of the CBD.”</p>
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Warehouse turned office space in Melbourne's Richmond listed for auction

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<p>Quest Apartment Hotels recently opened an apartment hotel in Perth, Quest Innaloo at 1 Sunray Drive, adding 80 rooms to its offering.</p>
<p>The new apartment hotel, which is part of the mixed-use Stirling Cross development comprising 154 residential and 80 serviced apartments, is targeted towards the corporate traveller.</p>
<p>Developed by Fini Group, Quest Innaloo has 80 apartments – a mix of studio, one and two-bedroom apartments. The purpose-built property provides the perfect “home away from home” with fully-equipped kitchen, business lounge and on site gymnasium. </p>
<p>Quest CEO Zed Sanjana expressed confidence in the future of tourism in WA, with the year ending June 2017 seeing more than 10.4 million overnight domestic and international visitors.</p>
<p>“Growing our base in Western Australia is a key priority for Quest with two more properties in the pipeline for the next year – Quest Midland and Quest on Mends Street in South Perth,” said Santana.</p>
<p>He added that Stirling was becoming a business centre for surrounding suburbs.</p>
<p>“We are pleased to be opening Quest Innaloo. The quality of the property is of the highest standard and the team are looking forward to delivering the best service to ensure each guest has the premium experience they expect from a Quest Apartment Hotel,” he said. </p>
<p>Quest Apartment Hotels has opened seven new properties within the past 12 months including: Quest East Perth, Quest Fremantle (WA), Quest Griffith, Quest Macquarie Park, Quest Newcastle West (NSW), Quest Port Adelaide (SA) and Quest Dandenong Central (VIC). </p>
<p>This time last year the pipeline of new property openings for Quest across Australia, anticipated the opening in 10 new locations. The list included Eight Mile Plains (QLD).</p>
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Quest adds 80 rooms to West Australian market – opens doors in Innaloo

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<p>An industrial style office in Melbourne’s Richmond has been put on the market, and is suited both to the investor or the owner occupier with potential for further development.</p>
<p>The <a href="https://www.realcommercial.com.au/property-offices-vic-richmond-502208006" target="_blank">29-31 Butler Street</a> property has a land area of 480 sum and a net lettable area of 470 sqm.</p>
<p>It is close to public transport and the restaurant district of Victoria Street. </p>
<p>The property features a flexible open plan space, polished concrete floor and high ceilings.</p>
<p>It is zoned Commercial 2 and the property is on two titles.</p>
<p>The property was last sold for $2.2 million in 2016.</p>
<p>There has been no asking price disclosure.</p>
<p>The listing agent is Gordon Kelly of Kelly &amp; Kelly Property.</p>
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